Job File: Supply Chain Project Manager 

Optimization is a crucial issue in logistics. Poor coordination between the various stages of the supply chain can have a negative impact on overall overall competitiveness competitiveness.

This is where the Supply Chain Project Manager. A key player in the implementation of logistics strategy, he or she is responsible for improving the company's Supply Chain performance.

In this article, Procemo gives you the keys to understanding the role of the Supply Chain project manager.

The Supply Chain Project Manager: presentation

The objectives of the Supply Chain project manager

The supply chain project manager improves the logistics of his company, often reporting to the company's top management, coordinating the various players and selecting the right tools to meet the company's supply chain strategy. 

However, the Supply Chain project manager is not a simple executor. They have a wide range of actions to take, and are required to make a large number of decisions. He or she must therefore be able to react quickly and withstand stress. 

Supply Chain project manager salary

The median salary for a Supply Chain project manager is 3,500 euros per month. However, this figure can vary according to the seniority of the project manager, the location of the position or the size of the projects supervised. 

The responsibilities of the Supply Chain project manager 

His or her main mission is to supervise the implementation of a strategy to optimize the company's supply chain. The Supply Chain Project Manager is a true "Swiss Army knife": 

• a field expert who oversees the implementation of logistics projects; 
• an intermediary between suppliers, the company and customers; 
• a leadership role in achieving objectives.

For example, he or she may be tasked with reducing transport times. The Supply Chain project manager must coordinate every link in the logistics chain to reduce costs and boost the company's competitiveness in the marketplace. 

Transport optimization

Logistics project management

The work of a Supply Chain project manager can be broken down into different stages. Of course, these tasks may vary according to the type of company and the profile of the project manager. 

Step #1 Site survey

• Assessment of current situation (audits, diagnostics) ; 
• Drawing up a competitive intelligence report ;
• Identification of business needs. 

Step #2 Framing the project

• Drawing up specifications (players, budget, context, deadlines, etc.) ; 
• Design of a roadmap including key dates;  
• Organization of test phases to control risks. 

Step #3 Project supervision 

• Monitoring organizational changes ; 
• Coordination between the various players ; 
• Drafting of a project progress report. 

Step #4 Ensure project sustainability

• Formalizing new solutions ; 
• Drafting of a report to present the results of the project;  
• Follow-up of post-implementation developments. 

Supply Chain project manager training and career path

The academic route

Diplomas 

To be a Supply Chain project manager, you need a solid academic background. Employers generally prefer candidates with a Master's degree from an engineering or business school, with a specialization in logistics. 

Less selective, the DESU GOL diploma (logistics operations management) offered by certain universities is also a good alternative. This 18-month course prepares students for the job of Supply Chain Project Manager. 

Certifications 

Certifications can also be a plus. Among the best known are : 

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP ): certifies expertise in supply chain management, planning and execution. 
• Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM): certifies expertise in operations improvement, inventory management and resource planning. 
• Project Management Professional (PMP): certifies expertise in project management. 

Career path 

Whatever your academic background, you'll need to demonstrate solid professional experience. A plus? Initial experience as a logistics project management assistant. 

Career prospects for Supply Chain project managers

A Supply Chain project manager's career can take many different directions:

• New scope of action: He or she may be called upon to take on a broader scope of action and take on projects with a greater level of responsibility.
• Specialization: They can specialize in certain areas such as data analysis, risk management, inventory optimization, etc. 
• Management positions : They can progress to management positions such as logistics manager, operations manager, etc. 

Becoming a supply chain project manager: essential skills

Technical knowledge 

In terms of hard skills, the Supply Chain project manager must have in-depth knowledge of all the links in the supply chain. 

Mastery of the various Supply Chain professions and processes (just-in-time, lean manufacturing, S&OP, etc.) is a must.  

Mastery of IT tools is also part of the Supply Chain project manager's skill-set. We are referring here to software such as : 

• data analysis software (Microsoft Power BI, QlikView, etc.) ; 
• enterprise resource planning systems (Oracle E-Business Suite, SAP ERP, etc.) ;  
• warehouse management systems (SAP Extended Warehouse Management, etc.). 

Finally, the Supply Chain project manager must have impeccable writing skills and master reporting tools. Whether for his superiors or his colleagues, he draws up detailed reports on project progress. 

Interpersonal skills

To ensure that objectives are met, the Supply Chain Project Manager must have excellent communication skills. He or she is the project's point of reference, acting as an intermediary between the company's internal and external players. 

The team supervised by the Supply Chain project manager includes a wide variety of people : workers, IT department managers, sales people, planning managers, etc. The management of a team therefore requires leadership skills. Managing a team therefore requires leadership skills.

His role is to coordinate the various players along the supply chain. He identifies the tasks to be accomplished and delegates them to each project partner. 

Ability to work under pressure 

Supply Chain project managers can be under a lot of pressure. At times, they may be responsible for overseeing several projects at the same time: they must be able to handle the workload.

When a problem arises, he or she needs to be able to think on his or her feet to find the right solutions and minimize the impact on the supply chain. 

The Supply Chain project manager must have excellent interpersonal skills to manage teams on a day-to-day basis. 

What does the future hold for the supply chain project manager?

The supply chain sector is in the throes of constant change. constant change. 

In other words, the project manager needs to be up to date with these developments, so as to integrate these new issues into the supply chain if necessary. 

The impact of new technologies on the sector

Technological advances are revolutionizing the logistics sector. Supply Chain project managers need to be familiar with new technologies: 

• Artificial intelligence (AI): makes it possible to analyze large quantities of data to identify trends within the supply chain. It can be used to optimize delivery routes, predict orders, prevent breakdowns, etc. 
• The Internet of Things (IoT): enables the generation of data on logistics operations in real time. It can be used to track products along the supply chain.
• The blockchain Blockchain: enables every transaction to be tracked along the supply chain. It can be used to track product shipments or automate certain operations. 

Some project managers are specialists. In this case, they support companies in the transition to these new tools. For example, an AI Supply Chain project manager can help companies use AI tools. 

The importance of CSR

Companies are increasingly encouraged to be ethical. The term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) even refers to the integration of certain social concerns into corporate policy. 

Green logistics

A company's environmental impact is one of the most important elements in its ethical responsibility. There's even a term for the idea of "sustainable" logistics: the Green Supply Chain. 

Integrating environmental issues into the supply chain can be part of a project manager's remit: 

• Reducing the company's carbon footprint; 
• Responsible management of resources (water, electricity) ; 
• Waste reduction ; 
• Selection of ethical suppliers ;
• Use of recycled materials, etc. 

Diversity and inclusion

The Supply Chain must also integrate diversity and equality issues. The fight against discrimination or the recruitment of female profiles within the company can be missions entrusted to the logistics project manager. 

Personal data protection 

With the introduction of new technologies, the supply chain is handling an ever-increasing amount of data. The handling of this megadata must respect everyone's rights, including: confidentiality, security, transparency, etc. 

Conclusion

The job of Supply Chain Project Manager has no secrets for you. Its cross-functional role is fundamental to improving a company's supply chain.

Accessible with a BAC +5 qualification, this profession requires versatile skillsfrom a good knowledge of the supply chain to managing a team to ensure the sustainability of projects.

The supply chain project manager can help you optimize your processes. Take a look at our solutions and contact one of our consultants.